Cover letter - how to explain SAHM?

[Basketofchocolate]

There's a job that it's worth me applying for - part time, good match to what they are looking for, etc.

Previously, most jobs I've got have been through agencies so never needed a cover letter for a start. Aside from that, how do I cover the lack of work over the last two years?

Upfront: having been a full-time parent for the past two years and now looking for work?

Or some other way?

On the covering letter, I tend to describe the main attributes I have for applying for he job. On the cv/application letter, in the employment section, I would mention it. I think I describe it as 'career break for family reasons' or something similar.

Ps. Good luck for your job application.

I'm applying after 8 years at home. I haven't actually addressed it in my applications just stuck to how I feel I meet the criteria for the job.

I think being a SAHM is fairly self explanatory and doesn't make you any less suitable for the job.

So not cover it in the letter?

I see that makes sense.

Mum just arrived early! Will check back in a bit!

If you feel you need to mention it just refer to a career break.

I think in my last personal statement I put something along the lines of "I left my previous role as a xyz in 2007 following the birth of my first child"

I have just recently done my CV after 6 years as a SAHM and in the employment section, I just put "2008-present, Various voluntary roles (and examples) while caring for young children at home."

Good luck with the application!

Thanks for the suggestions - feels weird to have to think about justifying it to someone else.

I put exactly the same as Ifcats

Try not to think of it in terms of justifying it. Being a sahm isn't shameful and does not make you an less suitable for the job you are applying for.

I didn't mention it in my covering letter, although I did mention some of the things I did in it. On my application form, in the employment history bit, I put "maternity break" for my 5 years out of work.